Yeah, tabbed browsing is the future. It's even the present for some, but not everybody's on board. The browser with the highest market share was the last one to add the feature, which means the majority of web users have had the least amount of time to grow accustomed to tabs.

I do prefer new windows for viewing pictures, but I wouldn't recommend changing it unless you alter the code in such a way that it's as simple as flipping a switch to change it back. (In other words, add a php variable like "$target" to the links, so you can change it between "" and "target=_blank" in one location within code.) The reason you'll want to be able to easily change it back is because tabbed browsing is the future. You won't want new windows forever.

Despite my preferences, I'll be happy as long as it's consistent for all links.

Opening new links in a new window or in a new tab is a browser setting, not a forum setting.If you want "new windows" to be "new tabs" you'll have to set that in your browser.It is that way, so a user can decide what he/she wants.

More accurate description is "links not opening in the same window" in stead of "links opening in a new window".